Red eyes are a problem that can affect many people. It can be caused by the environment, diet, sinus problems, or even as a side effect of some medications like antidepressants, birth control and antihistamines. The good news is that red eye relief is easy: keep reading for our optometrist-recommended red eye products and treatments.
Unlimited FAQ: Optometrist Answers Red Eye Questions
What Causes Red Eyes?
Typical causes of red eyes include allergies, dry eyes, contact lens overwear, and pink eye (conjunctivitis). Allergies affect 40% of the population. Allergy eye symptoms can be caused by a variety of irritants, most commonly environmental.
Can Stress Cause Red Eyes?
Both mental stress and digital eye strain (computer vision syndrome) can overwork the eyes, leading to irritation and redness. Unfortunately, this is becoming more likely with the intense demands of our technology-driven life. You may experience some, or all of the following symptoms:
- Blurred or double vision
- Dry eye
- Eye discomfort
- Eye fatigue, itching, and tearing
- Headaches
- Neck & shoulder pain
Can Lack of Vitamins Cause Red Eyes?
Our eyes, just like our bodies, require different vitamins and nutrients to function properly. A vitamin B2 deficiency can cause eyes to look bloodshot and results in itchy eyes, watery eyes and light sensitivity. You may also experience cracked or chapped lips, cracked mouth corners, a bright red tongue, and migraines.
Choosing the best eye vitamins is crucial for your ongoing vision and eye health. To learn more, click below for vitamins proven to help eye health.
Does High Blood Pressure Cause Red Eyes?
Red eyes and elevated blood pressure can occur simultaneously. The eyes are one of our most complex organs and are packed with tiny blood vessels. When blood pressure is elevated for long durations of time, it can weaken our eyes blood vessels which can cause them to burst. This results in a moderate red eye as blood pools within the conjunctival tissues.
Are Red Eyes Serious?
A strong sneeze, cough or heavy lifting can cause blood vessels in your eyes to burst and is usually nothing to worry about. However, if there is also eye pain, watering, dryness, or impaired vision, this can indicate a serious medical problem. If you are experiencing any of these, it may be a red eye emergency and we recommend seeking medical help from an optometrist near you.
How Long Should a Bloodshot Eye Last?
While bloodshot eyes (a subconjunctival hemorrhage) can look alarming, it is typically harmless and will disappear within two weeks.
How to Get Rid of a Red Eye?
Depending on the cause of your red eyes, your optometrist will be able to suggest the best treatment option, while taking into consideration your medical history and any life challenges. Read on below! Our award-winning Burnaby optometrists have recommended the top daily products, treatments, and preventative methods.
Top 3 Optometrist Recommended Red Eye Products
Our recommendations are independent and we do not earn a commission if you shop through our links.
#1 Contact Lens Rinse for Sensitive Eyes
Bausch & Lomb Saline Solution Plus is a rinse for your hard and soft contact lenses.
#1 Recommended Eye Drops
Systane Ultra Hydration eye drops provide immediate red eye relief from dry eyes.
#1 Gel for Dry Eyes Relief
I-Drop Pur Gel provides superior, everyday long-lasting relief from redness due to dry eyes.
Why Our Optometrist Recommend these Red Eye Products
We only recommend products we use ourselves and for our families. Our patient-centric clinic is located inside Metrotown Mall in Burnaby. We serve patients all throughout the lower mainland and with 20+ years experience you can have the peace of mind you are in good hands.
Benefits of Bausch & Lomb Saline Solution Plus
- This is not a cleaning solution. It acts as a rinse once the lenses are clean
- Lowest level of preservative available in a preserved saline solution
- pH-balanced formula contains potassium, an ingredient found in your own tears
Benefits of Systane Ultra Hydration
- Prolonged, long-lasting hydration
- Ideal for patients with chemical sensitivities
- Alleviates post-op dry eye symptoms after refractive surgeries such as LASIK and PRK
- Contains hyaluronic acid
Benefits of I-DROP® PUR GEL
- Preservative-Free
- Immediate and longer-lasting relief
- Superior moisturizing and lubrication
- Non-blurring upon application
- Lower overall therapy costs due to the need for less applications
New Red Eye Treatments: LUMIFY
Before LUMIFY, redness relievers pretty much used the same ingredients for decades, and they had certain side effects. Eye doctors figured out that low-dose brimonidine tartrate could help relieve redness with a lower risk of certain side effects.
Other redness relievers constrict the arteries in your eyes, which can deprive the eye of oxygen. This works to relieve redness at first but commonly causes rebound redness. Low-dose brimonidine restricts the venules, which helps to relieve redness without limiting the flow of oxygen. This results in whiter, brighter looking eyes that last up to 8 hours — with a low risk of rebound redness when used as directed.
#1 Optometrist Recommended Long-Term Red Eyes Caused by Dry Eye Syndrome Treatments
This FDA approved medical cosmetic therapy works. It’s actually quick, safe and one of the best dry eye treatments. Radio frequency is a non-invasive, heat and laser technology that helps to treat dry eye disease. It does so by using heat to open your eyelids oil glands which increases oil production. Oil is important for our tear film because it prevents tear evaporation which increases eye moisture, eliminating irritation and red eyes.
Plus, there are some major beauty upsides. It’s also an effective treatment for anti-aging by stimulating collagen and elastin production which reduces wrinkles, leaves the skin with a glow, and reduces the appearance of:
- Facial Wrinkles
- Fine lines around the eyes
- Facial creases
- Loose skin
Radio Frequency is comfortable, safe, non-invasive and can take as little as 30 minutes!
It stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles, improves dry eyes, and eyelid health.
Addition Resources:
Radio Frequency Treatment Ultimate Guide (7 Optometrist Verified Facts)
Radiofrequency Treatment: The Connection Between Dry Eyes & Ocular Aesthetics
